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On-Q Pain Pump Coding
My doctor repaired an inguinal hernia and also placed On-Q pain pumps. Can these be billed with an unlisted code?
Question:
My doctor repaired an inguinal hernia and also placed On-Q pain pumps. Can these be billed with an unlisted code?
Answer:
Good Question:! Any pain management provided by the operating surgeon, including placing On-Q pain pump, is part of the global package and not separately reported.
*This response is based on the best information available as of 03/03/16.
Coding Incomplete Colonoscopies
Which code would be appropriate to report45330, Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate…
Question:
Which code would be appropriate to report45330, Sigmoidoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure) or45378, Colonoscopy, flexible; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing, when performed (separate procedure), if the physician is unable to advance the colonoscope to the cecum?
Answer:
Per CPT guidelines, if the colonoscopy was a screening or diagnostic colonoscopy, CPT code45378would be reported with modifier 53, Discontinued Procedure. This indicates that a diagnostic or screening was not complete to the cecum. If the colonoscope does not reach the splenic flexure, a sigmoidoscopy, code45330, would be reported.
If the colonoscopy was therapeutic and it is not complete to the cecum, the appropriate therapeutic colonoscopy code is reported with a 52 modifier.
Refer to the decision tree in the CPT Professional codebook.
*This response is based on the best information available as of 12/03/15.